Mikael Silvestre Urges Arsenal Youngsters To Shine In League Cup

Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre is expecting a tough test when the Gunners head north to face Manchester City in their League Cup quarter final tonight.

However, the veteran Frenchman also sees the game as a chance for the club's young players to show just how they can cope with the pressure of a high-profile knockout match.

With the facilities and environment at Arsenal so well suited to developing young players, Silvestre wants to see tonight's youthful line-up grasp the opportunity to shine with both hands.

"It is going to be harder because the pressure will be higher against us but we have to use it and stay positive and believe we can get a win up there," Silvestre told the Gunners' official website.

"I think the youngsters have got a fantastic chance here to be part of the club because the facilities are fantastic, the training ground and the stadium too, and they have a chance to play because that is the strategy of the manager and the club.

"They have got everything in their hands now."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK